While A Promise Engraved is not my favorite installment of Barbour’s Doors to the Past series, it is a solid dual timeline story that captured my imagination.
Book Blurb
Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?
Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?
My Thoughts
A Promise Engraved provides an interesting look into the Texas Revolution, a point in history I know little about. I can tell Tolsma did a lot of research to bring the story to life. This is one of many reasons the historical storyline was my favorite. I also enjoyed the suspense and the sweet romance that slowly builds.
The contemporary one was interesting, and Kayleigh’s backstory is compelling, but I didn’t connect as well with the romance. What I did connect with was her drive to help children who find themselves alone in a new place.
I loved the concept of the ring, though. While I was a bit confused about the history of the ring, even after the big reveal, I still liked that it was a ring that connected the two storylines.
As for the faith element, there is a lot of discussion about faith. I think readers will find this timeless topic just as relevant today as it was in Josie’s time.
Overall, A Promise Engraved is a sweet dual timeline story that contemporary and historical fans will enjoy.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Further Information
To grab your own copy, click the book image above.
For more on Liz Tolsma, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
And if you love Christian historical fiction, check out her podcast.
You can also check out my reviews for four other Liz Tolsma novels: The Silver Shadow, The Green Dress, The Gold Digger, and A Picture of Hope.
